THOUSANDS of youngsters have been making a song and dance about being in Bradford's City Park.

About 3,000 of them have been transforming the space into a stage to mark the Tour de France and celebrate local young talent across the district.

Pupils at a total of 37 of the district’s schools are taking part in the MAD (Music, Art and Dance) Days which began today and continues tomorrow from 9.30am.

As well as the musical and dance performances pupils were cycling using Kinetrics in the form of cycles and see-saws to power energy for the stage.

One of the organisers Tony Johnson, Bradford Council’s head of music and arts, said: "It was a massive risk bringing all these children into one space but from what we are seeing and hearing it was well worth it!

"Acoustically it's a fantastic space and of course we're up on the Big Screen as well so people can really enjoy it all."

Councillor Ralph Berry, the executive member for children’s services, said: "This amazing opportunity further highlights the wealth of talent which our pupils have and is an experience that our young people will never forget.

"Anyone planning a visit to this extravaganza is in for a great day.”

Other activities included pupils decorating giant wooden elephants as an added art link.

Debbie Bellwood, of the music service, said: "We thought it would bring an added dimension to the music and dance, it's an art link and it's a link to Bradford's twin town of Hamm in Germany where they have lots of these wooden elephants round their centre."

She said she was hoping to find homes for the new Bradford elephants as well: "It would be great if we can find homes for our elephants around the city centre. We'll have to wait and see."

For the grand finales of both days players from Bradford Bulls and Bradford City Football Club were performing a cycle off - there were also planned special displays with the water fountains and performances by the Bradford Youth Orchestra.

Performances lined up for tomorrow include the Rock School, electric guitars, a Mega Sing and Mega Dance from 12.15pm until 1.30pm.

The finale fun is from 2pm.

Comments (3)

Why dont we have cycle event on the day when the tour goes through Keighley as thats about as near as it gets to Bradford? We could have cyclists setting off from Keighley and coming to a carnival welcome in Bradford so we could all pretend that we were on the real route and haven't missed out on this massive once in a lifetime event.

Why dont we have cycle event on the day when the tour goes through Keighley as thats about as near as it gets to Bradford? We could have cyclists setting off from Keighley and coming to a carnival welcome in Bradford so we could all pretend that we were on the real route and haven't missed out on this massive once in a lifetime event.basil fawlty

I could see the point if we were on the route, but we aren't, and for very good reasons.

I find all this artificial hysteria really annoying. In the T&A poll 80% said that they weren't going to watch the race. I'm surprised it wasn't higher.

I could see the point if we were on the route, but we aren't, and for very good reasons.
I find all this artificial hysteria really annoying. In the T&A poll 80% said that they weren't going to watch the race. I'm surprised it wasn't higher.izzystillbreathing

Looks good fun, love it when kids get involved in stuff like this. As someone who thought City Park was a poor choice to spend the airport cash on I've been proved wrong. What a great space it is. Well done to all those involved in producing this public space and also to those who organised this kids event!!!!

Bradford was expanded in 1974 so although the tour obviously doesn't come through Bradford City Centre it does take in some of Bradford's beautiful countryside and villages on it's outskirts.

Looks good fun, love it when kids get involved in stuff like this. As someone who thought City Park was a poor choice to spend the airport cash on I've been proved wrong. What a great space it is. Well done to all those involved in producing this public space and also to those who organised this kids event!!!!
Bradford was expanded in 1974 so although the tour obviously doesn't come through Bradford City Centre it does take in some of Bradford's beautiful countryside and villages on it's outskirts.bcfc1903